Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Juan Antonio Sorto
Hi Dr. Juan Antonio , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Dallas, Texas to a mother from El Salvador. I am a first-generation college graduate. In 2022, after earning my PhD in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy from Texas Southern University, I co-founded the non-profit organization Friends of El Salvador (FES), where we are empowering 14 rural communities in El Salvador through community development, programming and capital improvement projects. FES is composed of a nine-member volunteer board. Between 2009 and 2022, our organization provided programming on a season basis by delivering 3,000 toys and 300 food baskets. However, the 2020 pandemic highlighted the need to be incorporated as a 501c3. Currently, we are offering monthly health and wellness programs, and in 2025 we plan to expand incorporating the arts. We count 100% on donations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Before graduating with my PhD, I was working full-time earning sustainable income. However, the decision to leave my former employer to start a nonprofit organization was based on a desire that I feel goes beyond my control. After I earned my PhD, I realized that success for my family and I has always been measured by what we do for others. Therefore, I decided to resign from my employer, took a leap of faith and used my savings to start the nonprofit. Overseeing a nonprofit is challenging and rewarding. We are an international nonprofit organization, and explaining to people why it is important to invest in the future of El Salvador is challenging. Some people in the United States have mixed views of the migration that originates from El Salvador. As a nonprofit organization, our goal is work directly with the people who are being forced to make those difficult choices of leaving their communities due to climate change. Most of our community members are farm workers, who make under $20 per week. Unfortunately, over the last decade, many community members have chosen to migrate to the United States, because they are no longer able to provide for their families. As a nonprofit organization, fundraising is a crucial element to helping others find alternative solutions to migration. The road to fundraise has not been smooth. However, I find strength in my faith and knowing that the communities in El Salvador a grateful for donations that the receive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Executive Director of Friends of El Salvador, a nonprofit organization that is based in Houston and operates in El Salvador. I am known as someone who cares for others and uses my talents to help others. I am using my PhD as a means to raise awareness and educate our in El Salvador communities to empower themselves through community development, programming and capital improvement. I am most proud of this moment in my life. I take risks with an open heart, faith and integrity.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My entire Friends of El Salvador board, advisors, fundraising host committees, volunteers and sponsors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.friendsofelsalvador.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofelsalvador/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089214864009&_rdc=1&_rdr
- Twitter: https://x.com/friendselsv
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendsofelsalvador
Image Credits
Dr. Juan Antonio Sorto, Friends of El Salvador
